The Role of Indocyanine Green and Diode Laser in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris

Lee, Doo Rak; Park, Mi Youn

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic diseases and the main method of treatment is antibiotics and retinoids. However, many patients experience a need for a different treatment because of the transient effect and severe adverse effects. The study reported herein evaluated the effect and safety on acne vulgaris of 805 nm diode laser and topical Indocyanine green (ICG).
OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate the efficacy of the near-infrared diode laser phototherapy in combination with topical application of ICG in the treatment of acne vulgaris.
METHODS
Twenty-three volunteers with varying degrees of acne were enrolled in the study. Half of the face was stained by ICG. After 15 minutes, the whole face was irradiated by 805 nm diode laser. The procedure was carried out two times a week for 4 weeks. Inflammatory, non-inflammatory acne lesions were counted and sebum levels of both cheeks were measured.
RESULTS
The mean reduction of the inflammatory lesion counts was 43% in the ICG-diode laser group. The mean clearance of non-inflammatory lesions was 25% in the ICG-diode laser group. Significant reduction of acne lesions were observed in ICG-diode laser group compared to diode laser group (p<0.05). The adverse effects were negligible on both sides of the face.
CONCLUSION
ICG and diode laser therapy is effective in the treatment of moderate to severe acne vulgaris, and none of significant adverse effects were observed.